EFL make official announcement ahead of Coventry City v Portsmouth
Portsmouth face a tough trip to Coventry City, as they look to beat the drop in the Championship.
With just six games left this season, Portsmouth are aiming to remain in the Championship for next season, and are currently four points clear of the relegation zone.
However, they will face a tough test at Coventry on Wednesday, who are currently just outside the play-off places under Frank Lampard, and each negative result will raise relegation fears in the coming weeks.
The EFL have now made an announcement ahead of the game, and it is one which will directly affect Portsmouth in the match.
EFL confirm referee for Coventry v Portsmouth
John Mousinho’s side have now learned who will be the referee for their clash with Coventry, with the EFL confirming the match officials for this round of fixtures.
They have announced that Gavin Ward will officiate Portsmouth’s match at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with Graham Kane and Nigel Lugg as assistants and Thomas Kirk as the fourth official.
| Stat | Gavin Ward |
| Matches | 23 |
| Portsmouth wins | 9 |
| Portsmouth draws | 5 |
| Portsmouth defeats | 9 |
| Yellow cards | 28 |
| Red cards | 2 |
Portsmouth will head into this clash knowing that a victory would help them secure survival, but a defeat could drag them well into the battle heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Portsmouth’s record with referee Ward
Pompey have a mixed record when Ward has officiated their games, both in the Championship as well as the lower divisions in the EFL.
Ward has officiated 23 Portsmouth matches over the years. In those fixtures, Pompey have recorded nine wins, five draws and nine defeats.
28 yellow cards have been given, as well as one straight red card, and four penalties in favour of Portsmouth.
Coventry, meanwhile, have won just six of their 22 matches with Ward as the referee, and perhaps this is a good omen for Pompey as they are up against it in their clash.
Portsmouth have won just one of their last four games, but Coventry have lost three of their last four. However, Lampard’s side are still gunning for a play-off place, and possesses a lot of quality to harm Portsmouth on the road again.